Relatives of the victims of a hospital worker who was convicted
of abusing mortuary bodies will receive compensation under a new
government scheme announced today.
Close family members related to the victims of David Fuller, who
was convicted in 2021 for abusing mortuary bodies, are now able
to claim for the psychiatric trauma and any financial losses
caused by the former hospital worker’s actions. Over 90 claimants
have come forward, but all eligible family members can
apply.
Fuller was also convicted of murdering two women in 1987 and of
abusing 78 deceased women in mortuaries at Maidstone and
Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust between 2008-2020 after he admitted to
all crimes.
The scheme operates on a tiered approach, with three levels of
compensation available to the family members of the victims. All
qualifying family members will receive at least £7,500 with the
ability to claim an additional £5,000 – £25,000 for psychiatric
trauma. There is a third tier relating to financial losses.
The scheme, which will be administered by NHS Resolution on
behalf of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, will ensure
that compensation is paid to relatives as soon as is
practical.
Minister said:
“My sincerest sympathies are with the families of all the victims
of David Fuller. These were horrific events and the independent
inquiry we have launched will help ensure this never happens
again.
“Today is an important step and families will benefit from what
has been announced today.
“Thank you to NHS Resolution, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS
Trust and the families’ representatives for your collaboration in
developing this compensation scheme.”
Entry into the scheme is entirely voluntary and the scheme will
be advertised nationally to ensure all eligible family members
become aware of it.
The scheme represents a highly co-operative effort between NHS
Resolution, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and the
families’ representatives.
In November 2021, an independent inquiry was announced by the
government in the wake of the case, to understand how Fuller was
able to operate undetected by the hospital trust, and to look at
the national implications of his offences. The independent
inquiry, led by Sir Jonathan Michael, is ongoing. A report on the
trust is expected to be published next year.
Notes to editors:
- To qualify for compensation under the scheme, you must be
able to demonstrate a close family relationship with a
victim. The scheme sets out the process for doing this. For
enquiries about the scheme, please contact Maidstone and
Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Legal Department at mtw-tr.compensationscheme@nhs.net
- David Fuller admitted acts on the deceased in the mortuary at
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. He was a hospital worker
arrested in 2020 for the murders of Wendy Knell and Caroline
Pierce in 1997. He also filmed himself abusing 78 deceased women
in mortuaries between 2008 and 2020.
- In November 2021, an independent inquiry was announced by the
government in the wake of the case, to understand how Fuller was
able to operate undetected by the hospital trust, and to look at
the national implications of his offences.
- The government has laid a Written Ministerial Statement in
parliament on the announcement of the compensation scheme. Link:
Written statements -
Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
